Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates

Go Abroad Again

So you've returned to Duke and the U.S. or your home country, but you really can't wait to get back abroad, either to the same host country where you studied, or anywhere, you're not picky. There are many options available to you, and many ways to get wherever you wish to go.

Research

If you would like to return abroad to continue research in an area that piqued your interest while you were abroad, you may pursue a Study Abroad Research Fellowship through the Undergraduate Research Support Office. Such research activities will allow you to expand on your study abroad experience and may lead to graduation with distinction.

Work Abroad

If you want to work abroad, you can start at Duke's own Career Center, Smith Warehouse, Bay 5, 2nd Floor. They have a variety of resources, and Abby Vargas who specializes in helping students find international jobs and internships, can be a very good start in your search. The staff of the Career Center can also be helpful as you incorporate your study abroad experience into your résumé and when talking to employers about your skills and experiences. The Career Center's International Opportunities page has information about internships and work abroad.

You may also consult the magazine Transitions Abroad, which has information about finding work abroad.

Graduate Study Abroad

If you want to do graduate study abroad, you can begin by looking at some catalogs in the Global Education Office, or talk to your academic advisor. Many faculty members at Duke have colleagues overseas and are very knowledgeable about universities where you can pursue graduate study in your field.

If you are looking to return overseas for study, but want someone else to pay for it, you should apply for one of the many scholarship programs available for recent university graduates: Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, etc. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Scholars & Fellows for more information. For more information on various scholarships available for study abroad, please visit the IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding site.

Rotary Fellowships

Fulbright Fellowships

Miscellaneous

There are also many programs and organizations with resources online. Here is a sampling of some of them:

WorldTeach, Inc.

CDS International

Enlace (Electronic Network for Latin American Careers and Employment)

English language teaching

Peace Corps

People to People International Internships

Council on International Educational Exchange work opportunities

BUNAC (work programs in Britain)


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Postcard from Abroad

Dear Global Education Office:

I lived in a dormitory with first-year students while in Edinburgh. From my bedroom window, I had a spectacular view of a mountain by the name of Arthur's Seat, which figures in many of the novels I read as part of my coursework while abroad.

Pursuing courses in English (and Scottish) literature while in Edinburgh was magical in so many ways. I took classes in the former offices of many of the writers I studied and I was fortunate in that my professors were leading thinkers in their areas as well as passionate about the literature they taught. Learning bits of Scots and understanding the literature of Scotland became synonymous with understanding the place, and experiencing as much as I could while I was in Edinburgh. I ate fish and chips with the best of them. In every pub, I was delighted to meet friendly Scots who were more than happy to tell me about their holidays in The States.

I climbed Arthur's Seat my last day in Edinburgh. The view from above is glorious--I could pick out all of the landmarks I had grown so attached to in those few, short months. The independence I had while studying in Edinburgh gave me a sense of ownership and belonging there. I plan to take a year off between graduation next year and law school, and I'm dying to return to Scotland.

– Caitlin Monjeau


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Postcard from Abroad

Dear Office of Study Abroad:

My experience in Italy has been life-changing to say the least. I have come to understand Italian culture, as well as my own identity in the process. Through walking the time-worn streets of Rome, I have learned to appreciate its antiquity and artistic beauty. I have discovered within myself a deep rooted need for art, literature, and spirituality.

More importantly though, I have also gained a discerning tongue for great food, fresh ingredients, and dare to say that I like my pasta “al dente.” My cooking skills have improved from nonexistence to “I can survive,” and I know more ways of cooking pasta than I thought existed.

Buying fresh produce daily is a highly revered ritual in Italy that allows you to form friendships with the local fruit vendor. He will add an extra tomato or two if you frequent his stand enough. I can safely say I am so addicted to gelato and espresso that I sometimes experience withdrawal symptoms. As for the future, I cannot say that I will want to live in Rome but it has made its mark on me and I will inevitably have that for the rest of my life.

– Tina Liang

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